Engineering Manager - Test & Validation

Caterpillar•Green Valley, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. As the Test & Validation Engineering Manager , you will lead and support the development, testing, and validation of cutting‑edge electrification technologies. This role is central to advancing battery electric machines and charging solutions including Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) , helping to support Caterpillar customer’s transition to a more sustainable future. You’ll guide teams that bring innovative machines and systems from concept to reality—ensuring they perform safely, reliably, and powerfully in real‑world conditions. Why This Role Is Exciting Be at the forefront of innovation This is where Caterpillar’s newest electrification technologies are tested and proven. You’ll play a key role in validating next‑generation battery electric machines and charging infrastructure that are shaping the future of the industry. Lead the electrification transition This is your opportunity to be directly involved in Caterpillar’s electrification journey. Your work will have a visible, lasting impact on how mining and charging equipment evolves. Broad, cross‑functional exposure You’ll collaborate with diverse, cross‑functional teams across multiple Caterpillar divisions—engineering, product groups, operations, and more—gaining wide exposure to the business and technology ecosystem. Hands‑on, real‑world work This is not a desk‑only role. You’ll be out in the field, working directly with machines, supporting test execution, and seeing technology perform in real operating environments. If you enjoy combining leadership with hands‑on engineering, this role delivers both. The technology you will work with includes Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer, a fully Caterpillar-developed system that can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are working around a mine site. It can also charge a machine’s batteries while operating with increased speed on grade, improving operational efficiency and machine uptime.

Requirements

Degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.
Technical Excellence: Experience in developing and executing validation strategies, test plans, and field testing for new products , new technologies, and continuous product improvement. Heavy equipment application knowledge.
Managing People: Experience managing and developing a team ; driving performance, capability growth, and a strong safety culture.
Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Customer/Market Focus: Understanding of the importance of remaining aware of shifting market priorities and ability to respond to internal and external customer needs in a manner that consistently adds value.
Collaborating Globally: Knowledge of effective collaboration techniques and ability to build networks with people from different countries and cultures, think and work with them to bring positive impact and flourishing business results.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of up to 12 Test and Validation Engineers supporting battery‑electric mining equipment and charging systems.
Provide clear direction, coaching, and professional development pathways to build deep technical capability, strengthen organizational bench talent, and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Own the validation execution for electrification products , from early‑stage concept evaluation through full validation cycles for New Product Introduction (NPI), New Technology Introduction (NTI), and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI).
Ensure test plans, methods, and instrumentation approaches meet the evolving needs of product development.
Ensure all test and validation activities are executed safely , maintaining a strong safety culture in high‑energy environments involving batteries, charging infrastructure, and prototype mining equipment.
Proactively identify hazards, remove risk, and ensure compliance with applicable standards and Caterpillar safety expectations.
Develop, manage, and optimize the operating budget , balancing resource planning, investments, and contractor support to deliver maximum value for the organization.
Drive operational excellence in test execution , overseeing workflow planning, equipment readiness, resource allocation, and schedule alignment to meet demanding program timelines.
Partner closely with engineering groups, technical managers, and other cross-functional groups to ensure seamless handoffs and clarity of validation requirements.
Monitor performance through measurable KPIs —including schedule adherence, test throughput, defect discovery rates, test coverage, cost effectiveness, and engineering quality. Use data‑driven insights to adjust priorities, remove barriers, and elevate team performance when targets are not being met.
Champion robust documentation and communication , ensuring test reports, issue documentation, and product health summaries are delivered with clarity, accuracy, and urgency. Provide regular status updates to leadership, program teams, and partners.
Continuously improve test methods, processes, and tools to support product development. Implement best practices, standard work, and lessons learned to increase reliability, reduce test cycle time, and improve product quality.
Build strong collaborative partnerships across divisions, aligned business units, and validation teams to ensure alignment on requirements, expectations, and deliverables for electrification product development.